Los Feliz, Los Angeles

We started designing this project in 2019, for a young family with an impractical and awkward backyard. In early 2020, we had done demolition and excavated for the new swimming pool. Then in March, 2020, COVID-19 hit and everyone was stuck at home for what we thought would be weeks but turned into many months.

Luckily, we were allowed to continue construction work under the quarantine rules, and since all of our work was taking place outside, we were able to operate as safely as possible, under the circumstances, masked up and maintaining physical distance as we moved forward. Thus, instead of living with a large, muddy pit for the rest of the year, we got the pool and backyard finished in time for summer swimming and outdoor play time so the family was not cooped up inside.

The yard now has three distinct areas, each with its own purpose: a new patio with a built-in banquette for the dining table and a cozy seating area, a compact lawn for the little ones to enjoy (two small kids and a tiny pup), and a pool for cooling off. Borrowed views of palms and giant birds-of-paradise in neighboring yards, plus bougainvillea and other bright colors, lend the space a tropical, resort vibe. Just steps out the backdoor, it was a get-away when we couldn’t actually go anywhere.

Sustainability features include: Locally-made materials (concrete pavers), a very petite lawn used by the family (not only ornamental), climate-appropriate plants and drip irrigation, automatic pool cover (to minimize evaporation and heating costs), durable materials that will last a long time. A peach tree will provide food and shade as it grows larger. Other plants attract and feed pollinators.